Speakers for the 17th Annual Rochester Writers’ Conference
Fiction, Non Fiction, and Business Topics presented as Lectures, Workshops, and Panel Discussions. Featuring Michigan Authors, Speakers, Agents, and Educators.
- Saturday | October 19, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Held in the Oakland Center at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan
Keynote Speaker
Bonnie Jo Campbell is the author of The Waters (W.W. Norton, 2024) written “with a ‘ruthless and precise eye for the details of the physical world’ (New York Times Book Review), Bonnie Jo Campbell presents an elegant antidote to the dark side of masculinity, celebrating the resilience of nature and the brutality and sweetness of rural life.” Her bestselling novel, Once Upon a River (2011) was adapted into a full length feature film and released to international critical acclaim in 2020. Visit www.bonniejocampbell.net for more information, a list of her books, and her upcoming appearances.
Literary Agents
Linda S. Glaz spent thirteen years as an agent and author with Hartline Literary Agency, and once they shuttered their doors, she went out on her own at Linda S. Glaz Literary Agency. She’s an agent and understands authors because she is one. Married with three grown children, she also brags about six grands and two greats. And needless to say, she LOVES books and is always looking for that next wonderful All American best-selling novel. She handles nonfiction and fiction in both the Christian and general markets. However, no speculative fiction or children’s. www.lindasglaz.com
Carrie Howland has been a literary agent for nineteen years, founding Howland Literary, LLC in 2018. She represents a combination of adult literary and upmarket fiction as well as narrative and prescriptive nonfiction. She lives in Michigan with her husband and two-year-old son. In her spare time, she volunteers as a foster for a local dog rescue. www.howlandliterary.com
Justin Brouckaert is a literary agent at Aevitas Creative Management representing bestselling and award-winning journalists, humorists, academics, memoirists, and literary novelists. He is interested in literary, narrative, and expert-driven books across history, politics, pop culture, current affairs, tech, science, psychology, and the world of sports. Justin enjoys novels with unique and obsessive narrative voices. He lives with his wife and daughter in Metro Detroit. www.justinbrouckaert.com
Conference Speakers
Award winning Detroit Author & Founder of Motown Writers, Sylvia Hubbard has independently published over 55 romance suspense books in the over 20 years she’s been in the literary business. As an avid blogger, podcaster, social media manager and digital strategist, Sylvia has received literary recognition for her literacy work, plus has had eight #1 Bestsellers. She is also a speaker, literary encouragement doula and busy mompreneur expert. www.sylviahubbard.com
Linda K. Sienkiewicz’s short stories, poetry, and essays have been published in numerous literary journals and anthologies. She has a poetry chapbook award from Heartlands, and her debut novel, In the Context of Love, earned multiple finalist awards including a Sarton Award and Hoffer Award. Her fifth poetry chapbook, Sleepwalker, is from Finishing Line Press. She also wrote and illustrated a children’s picture book, Gordy and the Ghost Crab. Linda holds an MFA from the University of Southern Maine. www.lindaksienkiewicz.com
Sabrina Wagner is an Amazon Top 100 bestselling author. She writes sweet, sassy, sexy romance novels about stubborn alpha men and the strong women who bring them to their knees. Her stories include found family, witty banter, second chances, and happy endings. Sabrina is a member of Romance Writers of America and Greater Detroit Romance Writers. She’s been featured in VoyageMichigan magazine and has been a guest on the Luminance Podcast. It’s rare to find her without a book in her hand or a story spinning through her head. Sabrina is also obsessed with cats, caffeine, and sunshine. www.sabrinawagnerauthor.com
Donovan M. Neal is the best-selling author of the Third Heaven Series, a speculative Christian fantasy about Lucifer’s fall. Blending Christian theology, angelic mythology, and fantastical world-building, Neal explores the cosmic conflict between good and evil. He has published sixteen books, reaching thirteen countries and selling over 30,000 units across print, e-book, and audio. His works span fiction, non-fiction, a comic series, and a graphic novel. Neal is recognized alongside notable authors like Frank Peretti, Brian Godawa, and the late Dr. Michael S. Heiser. www.donovanmneal.com
Brenda Hasse is a multi-award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction novels and a freelance writer. Her eclectic work includes various genres – young adult historical romance, pre-teen fantasy mystery, adult metaphysical/visionary, second chance romance, biography, haunted history, and young adult romantic suspense. She is also the author of several picture books for children. She has published her books both independently and traditionally. She has also written scripts for local actors to perform. Brenda resides in Fenton, Michigan, with her husband and cats. www.brendahassebooks.com
Lisa Howard is a freelance writer and editor who works with print magazines, online publications, individual businesses, and marketing firms. Her cookbooks, The Big Book of Healthy Cooking Oils and Healthier Gluten-Free, are available anywhere books are sold. Feel free to stop by www.theculturedcook.com any time to browse through Lisa’s recipes and culinary tidbits.
One Registration to attend the Rochester Writers’ Fall Conference. Includes keynote, breakout sessions, coffee, snacks, lunch, and parking. Check-in will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the first session 10:00 a.m. The conference will end by 5:00 p.m.
- At-the-door Registration is $190.00 CASH, CHECK, OR CARD
>> Full Schedule at a Glance <<
Attendees may bring a fully charged laptop or tablet. Although not necessary, a computer will enhance the experience with a hands-on feel. Use the hashtag: #RochesterWriters before, during and after the event in your posts, likes, and tweets.
Fresh hot coffee and tea available throughout the day. Light breakfast snacks and a full lunch included with registration. Please contact us if you have special dietary concerns. A charging station will be available for mobile devices in the registration area.
Attendees will be able to choose one presentation per session time at the conference. Schedule could change without notice – Rochester Writers reserves the right to add, subtract, or substitute any of the presentations and speakers. Thank you.
Please Note: All events take place in the Oakland Center of Oakland University (312 Meadow Brook Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326). Use the parking lot (P1) and walk East for the shortest distance into the Oakland Center. Use the Interactive Map to zoom in and view parking and building information. The Oakland Center is positioned between the parking lot and the Clock Tower. Look for Bright Yellow Signs. The Oakland Center on this Campus Map (zoom in for a better view).
Rochester Writers 